Blackhawks Shatter Single-Season Attendance Record

The Chicago Blackhawks established an all-time single-season attendance record tonight before their contest against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Laura Fontana-Vena of Elmhurst was the 8,547th fan to pass through the United Center’s turnstile on Wednesday, marking the Blackhawks’ 835,972 this season, surpassing the former record of 835,971 established during the 1995-96 season.

Fontana-Vena was presented with a Blackhawks jersey with “835,972” on the name plate, signifying the historic moment before performing the ceremonial puck drop. The Blackhawks’ new record is through 39 regular-season contests at the United Center. Chicago has drawn 39 capacity crowds in 39 home dates at the United Center this season and 42 consecutive dating back to the end of last season.

The Blackhawks new single-season attendance record encompasses 81 seasons of action, the first 67 of which were played at The Chicago Stadium.